The executive director of the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre presented a funding request to Huron County council today.
Mary Ellen Zielman asked for $60,000 a year for the next four years to help support food banks throughout the county.
Zielmen pointed out there were 20,000 visits to Huron County food banks in the last year and 300 new family members using food banks in Huron County. She says many of those people are working adults who are still not able to make ends meet.
Zielman adds poor nutrition is a significant factor in poor heath and contributes to rising health care costs, but unfortunately a healthy diet is more expensive than less nutritious food.
Councillor Bernie MacLellan supported the request but added he'd like to see the distribution centre develop programs that would make them more self-sufficient over the years, rather than depend on funding from the county every year.
Zeilman explained the centre is already working in that direction and that is the long-term goal.
Council deferred a decision until it receives a report from staff.
Zielman adds they're lucky that farmers in Huron County donate a great deal of locally grown produce or locally produced meat and that makes it a little easier for people using food banks to provide nutritious food for their families.